Cris Tales is a time-travelling turn-based Japanese role-playing game where you join the newly awakened Time Mage Crisbell and her fantastical companions on their journey across a dark, fairytale world facing a grim future. Crisbell must embark across Crystallis and the four Kingdoms in a bid to stop the powerful Time Empress and rewrite the future of the world and all those living in it. Along the way, Crisbell will meet and recruit powerful allies with their own unique stories and skills. Cris Tales is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Switch and PC. Take a look at our tips to get help in the game.
Cris Tales Trailer
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Time Button Inputs during Attacks Correctly
It is crucial that you respond correctly with your button attacks during combat as doing so will enable you to take considerably less damage and score dobule damage and critical hits. All you need to do is press the action button at the right time, which most of the time is the first frame where your player lifts their weapon. Some enemies, you will have to learn their attack pattern in order to know when to press the attack button during combat. There aren't any combos to learn in Cris Tales, and the respond window is pretty forgiving. If you just spam and don't counter/parry attacks, the damage will quickly add up, and what would otherwise be a simple fight will become difficult as these additional hits take a toll.
No Need to Grind
Cris Tales is unlike most other RPGs in that it is not necessary to grind in order to progress through it. Although in some situations grinding will help to make things a bit easier, you will find that by completing all the content on offer as you play will enable you to complete the game by just playing it. Cris Tales is more about strategy and intelligent decision-making than grinding for high-level weapons and attacks. The equipment and weapons you can find by just playing the game is good enough against even the toughest bosses.
Use Time Travel in Combat
The strength of enemies in Cris Tales can change depending on the time period you are fighting them in. Take advantage of the time-travel mechanic to move forwards and backwards from the past, present, and, future to take on enemies when they are at their most vulnerable. If you scan enemies when you first encounter them, you will have a better idea on how to make the most of the time-travelling mechanic.
Always Scan Enemies
Eventually Willhelm will learn the scan Yucandra which enables him to learn the strengths, weaknesses, and HP of enemies based on their current timeline. If he uses the plant version of this skill, you will be able to fast track the skill and unlock all three states of the enemy - Past, present, and future. Usually the future version of the enemy will be stronger because they have mastered their skills, but there will be instances where they will be weaker as they will be old and slower. Scanning bosses is essential because bosses can change their weaknesses during combat.
There is No Autosave
It is important to remember that Cris Tales does not have an autosave, you are only given the option to save the game manually. It is therefore crucial that you save the game regularly, especially before heading into battles and important in-game sequences so you retain your progress if things don't work out. Furthermore, it is also recommended that you make regular backup saves, just in case the game unexpectedly crashes.
Don't Buy New Equipment
Resist the temptation to spend thousands of Marbles on items in places like Cindar, Neva Tulira, and St. Clarity which offer the best gear. Nearly all the equipment in Cris Tales can be found free in chests scattered throughout the game, you just have to explore and find it. By exploring around dungeons you will not only find decent equipment in chests to keep you well-equipped it will also help you to save money.
Hold on to your Tents
In order to rest in-game you need to be carrying tents, these are consumables which once used are gone. Early in Cris Tales the 10,000 Marbles cost per tent is expensive which leaves you with the dilemma of either spending your money on a tent in order to rest or save the money to buy weapon upgrades. There is though a cheaper alternative to spending money on Tents, and that is going to Inns to rest. It is recommended though that you always have 1-2 Tents at your disposal as you will not be able to abuse the resting mechanic at save points as it doesn't replenish health, mana, or crystal powers. There are ways you can get Tents free in Cris Tales, this includes finding them in chests and completing side quests such as A Heart Made Whole which rewards you with one when you speak to this Sick Cinderian.
Talk to Everyone
Although the various side quests on offer are optional, it is still worthwhile talking with NPCs to unlock these new tasks. Side quests are generally worthwhile completing in order to get the Experience Points and unique goods they reward you with, as they can often give you an advantage as you play the game. Talking to everyone you meet will also provide you with additional information which you will find useful in certain situations. If you do get stuck as to what to do next, you simply have to press the Y button to get a hint from Matias.